Written by Amal Allam
Monday, July 08, 2024 10:30 AM
The American Heart Association has warned that heart patients need to take extra precautions to protect themselves from the high temperatures currently prevailing in Egypt and most countries of the world.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1,200 people die in this country each year as a direct result of extreme heat.
“Heat-related deaths and illnesses are mostly preventable if proper safety measures are taken,” said Dr. Joseph Wu, president of the American Heart Association, in a news release. “Precautions are especially important for infants, older adults, and people with high blood pressure, obesity, or a history of heart disease or stroke. While some people are more susceptible to heat problems, extreme temperatures can cause health problems for anyone.”
Heart patients may be more at risk than most people: A study published recently in the Journal of the American Heart Association predicts that deaths from cardiovascular disease linked to extreme heat might more than double over the next two decades.
So what should people do as temperatures rise?
Joseph Wu suggests that everyone follow these hot weather precautions:
1. Avoid going outdoors at noon.
Because the sun is usually at its strongest, putting you at greater risk for heat-related illnesses.
2. Wear lightweight, light-colored cotton clothing.
Be sure to wear a hat and sunglasses. Before you start your day, apply a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and reapply it every two hours.
3. Drink plenty of water.
Keep your body moisturized. Drink a few glasses of water before, during, and following going out or exercising, and avoid drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol.
4. Take regular breaks.
Find some shade or a cool place, stop for a few minutes, drink water and start walking once more. If these precautions don’t work, it’s important to know when you might be suffering from heat stress.
Symptoms of heat stress:
Headache
Cool, pale, clammy skin
Fast and weak pulse
Dizziness and vertigo
Muscle weakness or cramps
Vomiting and nausea
Unconsciousness
If you experience these symptoms, move to a cooler location, stop exercising, soak yourself in cool water and rehydrate your body. You may need to seek medical attention.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
Get medical attention right away if you have these symptoms:
High body temperature (103°F or higher)
Hot, red, dry or clammy skin
Fast and heavy pulse
Headache, dizziness, and confusion
Nausea
Unconsciousness
While it’s important to maintain heart health in hot temperatures, it’s also important to find ways to stay active during the summer.
It may help to schedule your exercise early in the morning or late in the evening, and if going out is too stressful some days, head to a gym or community recreation center to exercise.
Written by Amal Allam
Monday, July 08, 2024 10:30 AM
The American Heart Association has warned that Heart patients They need to take extra precautions to protect themselves from the high temperatures that currently prevail in Egypt and most countries of the world.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1,200 people die in this country each year as a direct result of extreme heat.
“Heat-related deaths and illnesses are mostly preventable if proper safety measures are taken,” said Dr. Joseph Wu, president of the American Heart Association, in a news release. “Precautions are especially important for infants, older adults, and people with high blood pressure, obesity, or a history of heart disease or stroke. While some people are more susceptible to heat problems, extreme temperatures can cause health problems for anyone.”
Heart patients may be more at risk than most people: A study published recently in the Journal of the American Heart Association predicts that deaths from cardiovascular disease linked to extreme heat might more than double over the next two decades.
So what should people do as temperatures rise?
Joseph Wu suggests that everyone follow these hot weather precautions:
1. Avoid going outdoors at noon.
Because the sun is usually at its strongest, putting you at greater risk for heat-related illnesses.
2. Wear lightweight, light-colored cotton clothing.
Be sure to wear a hat and sunglasses. Before you start your day, apply a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and reapply it every two hours.
3. Drink plenty of water.
Keep Moisturize your body Drink a few glasses of water before, during, and following going out or exercising, and avoid drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol.
4. Take regular breaks.
Find some shade or a cool place, stop for a few minutes, drink water and start walking once more. If these precautions don’t work, it’s important to know when you might be suffering from heat stress.
Symptoms of heat stress:
Headache
cool, pale, clammy skin
Fast and weak pulse
Dizziness and vertigo
muscle weakness or cramps
Vomiting and nausea
Unconsciousness
If you experience these symptoms, move to a cooler location, stop exercising, soak yourself in cool water and rehydrate your body. You may need to seek medical attention.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
Get medical attention right away if you have these symptoms:
High body temperature (103°F or higher)
Hot, red, dry or clammy skin
fast and heavy pulse
Headache, dizziness, and confusion
nausea
Unconsciousness
While it’s important to maintain heart health in hot temperatures, it’s also important to find ways to stay active during the summer.
It may help to schedule your exercise early in the morning or late in the evening, and if going out is too stressful some days, head to a gym or community recreation center to exercise.
Staying active in hot weather:
• Schedule your workouts for cooler times of the day – early morning or late evening.
• Exercise indoors – use a gym or community recreation center.
• Wear lighter weight clothing – lose fabrics and colors that don’t absorb heat.
• Avoid over exertion – listen to your body and rest when you need to.
• Stay hydrated – drink plenty of fluids before, during and following exercise.
Know your limits:
It’s essential to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke because it can happen to anyone. Remember, preventative measures are key, and if you are worried regarding your health in hot weather, consult a doctor.
Tips to beat the heat:
• Check on elderly neighbors and friends – make sure they have access to cool environments and are staying hydrated.
• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
• Take cool showers or baths to help reduce body temperature.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
• Use fans or air conditioning as needed.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, making it more important than ever to take precautions to protect ourselves and those we care regarding. By following these simple tips, we can all stay safe and healthy during the summer months.
